Exercise 'could help mental health issues'

Exercise has been recommended as a way of dealing with certain mental health problems.

As the clocks go back today, a recent survey conducted by Saga has revealed that 41 per cent of over-50s surveyed claimed that they feel more depressed when the dark nights close in.

This phenomenon has been dubbed Season Affective Disorder (SAD).

In order to tackle SAD, Bridget O'Connell, head of information at mental health charity Mind, proposed taking regular exercise.

She noted that even indoor exercise "is known to help boost mood".

Furthermore, Ms O'Connell advised that people "eat fresh fruit and vegetables daily, even if you are tempted to just eat starchy foods".

Taking a walk during a lunch break at work or taking a trip out to the countryside at the weekend "for a ramble" were some other suggestions put forward by the health professional in order to keep up happiness levels as the light fades.